Cleaning machine for textile factory

ABSTRACT

A cleaning machine for a textile factory has a filter through which air moves from the machine under pressure against textile machinery for loosening lint. A second filter in a suction chamber of the machine collects the lint as it is moved through the chamber of the machine collects the lint as it is moved through the chamber by suction generated in the machine. The machine traverses a fixed path over the textile machinery and the first filter is cleaned as the machine moves past a vacuum cleaner nozzle. The second filter is cleaned by moving it first out of the suction chamber, this movement bringing it into position to be cleaned by the same vacuum nozzle. During cleaning of the filters, a shutter shuts communication between the filters and the air-moving mechanism of the machine. The shutter and the movable filter are actuated incidental to movement of the machine it its fixed path under predetermined control.

ts alt n 1 ann 3,299,463 1/1967 McEachern 3,343,224- 9/1967 Vinogradovetal.

15/312.l l5/352X ABSTRACT: A cleaning machine for a textile factory has a filter through which air moves from the machine under pressure against textile machinery for loosening lint. A second filter in a suction chamber of the machine collects the lint as it is moved through the chamber of the machine collects the lint as it is moved through the chamber by suction generated in the machine. The machine traverses a fixed path over the textile machinery and the first filter is cleaned as the machine moves past a vacuum cleaner nozzle. The second filter is cleaned by moving it first out of the suction chamber, this movement bringing it into position to be cleaned by the same vacuum nozzle. During cleaning of the filters, a shutter shuts communication between the filters and the air-moving mechanism of the machine. The shutter and the movable filter are actuated incidental to movement of the machine it its fixed path under predetermined control.

PATENTED AUBBI 19n- SHEET 1 [IF 8 FIG,

PATENTEU M183] 1971 SHEET 2 0r 8 H I HI I L I UH H l hl l l h INVENTOR GEORGE R. PIPES PATENTEU M1831 I97! 3 6O 1 840 SHEET 3 OF 8 PRESSURE SUCTION INVENTOR. GEORGE R. PIPES FIG.

PATENTED was] 1971 SHEET [1F 8 PNVENTOR. GEORGE R. PIPES PATENTED M1831 I971 SHEET 5 BF 8 INVENTOR GEORGE R. PIPES PATENTED M1831 l9?! SHKU 8 6? 8 FIG. 7

FIG. 8

INVENTOR GEORGE R. PIPES PATENTED Ausal I97! 3,601; 840

SHEET 7 UF 8 NFL 9 INVENTOR GEORGE R. PIPES Weft/ix w ifiT PATENTEU M1831 I971 3.601, 840

sum 0F 8 CLEANING MIAQHIINE FUR TIEX'lliLlE FACTORY This invention relates to a machine of the type utilized in a textile factory or similar type of industrial plant for cleaning looms or other textile machines. Those skilled in the art appreciate that in plants of the particular class, a very considerable volume of loose fibers and lint is developed This material must be collected, and for the purpose, there are many types of machines available. As a matter of interest, a very successful machine of the particular class is well illustrated and described in the McEachern US. Pat. No. 3,299,463. In this patent, not only is a particular machine of this class described, but the state of the prior art is discussed, and the problems that must be met in the utilization of a machine of this class, are analyzed and considered in considerable detail.

In general, a cleaning machine of the class described includes means for directing blasts of air at a row of looms or the like in order to loosen the lint and the other waste materials. The machine moves generally in an elevated path over the looms, and has a series of downwardly extending tubes that pass by the looms at each side for projecting blasts of air against the looms. Obviously, these blasts of air will loosen the lint which may then drop to the floor of the factory. The machine has also a means for developing suction, and this suction is utilized for pulling the lint into the machine through a series of tubes that extend vertically downwardly from the machine toward the floor. In effect, these tubes are the equivalent of vacuum cleaner hose. Naturally, a filter must be used in order to remove the lint from the air entering the machine and used to form the blasts of air. Obviously also, lint is removed through the use of a filter in that part of the machine into which lead the suction tubes or hose through which the lint is collected.

While the patent to which I have referred outlines many of the problems that must be faced in the utilization of a cleaning machine, I believe the most important and difficult problem to be met is that of cleaning the filters of the machine. Obviously these filters, which are in the form preferably of wire screens, clog rather quickly and must be cleaned at frequent intervals. Further, the cleaning must be done at relatively high speed and preferably as the machine is moving.

The filter-screen-cleaning problem is complicated by the fact that the machines are generally mounted over the looms, and require considerable headroom. The art has long sought cleaning means requiring a minimum of headroom while not interfering with the functioning of the machines so that they will automatically and effectively collect the lint.

The problem is further complicated by the fact that a machine generally must have at least two filters, one for the pressure side of the machine, and one for the suction side. Further, it is generally necessary to place the filter of the suction side of the machine within a suction chamber. Obviously, the suction chamber must be opened in order to make the suction filter available for cleaning. It will be appreciated that making the suction filter available for cleaning, while also cleaning the pressure filter, complicates the cleaning operation, particularly if it is desired to use a single vacuum cleaner for both filters. in the prior art patent to which I have referred, the two filters are in such alignment, that when the suction filter is exposed by the removal of the upper portion of the suction chamber, the two filters may be cleaned by passing in sequence under a single vacuum-cleaning nozzle. However, it is obvious that the suction chamber will be in the path of the cleaning nozzle, and will therefore cause difficulty and prevent any movement of the machine past the vacuum cleaner nozzle. This not only complicates the filtercleaning problem, but also increases the headroom required. I believe my invention presents an excellent solution to the filter-cleaning problem.

As one feature of my invention, 1 have contributed what I term a balanced machine. Thus. my machine is so balanced that it is well adapted for mounting on a single rail as is customary in this art, and when so mounted, the longitudinal axis of the machine is aligned with the rail. As a particular feature of this portion of the invention, I utilize a pair of motor-operated blowers, one at each side of the machine and therefore at each side of the rail on which the machine is mounted.

As a funher particular feature of this portion of the invention, I place a transverse duct at each end of the machine, one duet being in communication with the pressure blower, and having a downwardly extending pressure tube or hose extending from each end of the duct so that the machine will have a pressure tube or hose at each side of a loom over which it passes. The other transverse duct is a suction duct connected to the suction blower. There will be two vertical tubes or hose at the ends of this duct, and these will be utilized for collecting the lint from the floor. Therefore, it is seen that there will be at each side of the machine, a pressure tube and a suction tube, the pressure tube moving in advance of the suction tube so that it loosens the lint from the looms, the suction tube collecting the lint. The balanced construction is obviously of considerable value.

As a further feature of my invention related both to the balanced construction of the machine, as well as the cleaning feature to which I have alluded, I utilize a fixed screen as the filter at one side of the machine, and therefore at one side of the longitudinal axis of the machine and the rail on which it is supported. it may be well at this time to indicate, that while I prefer my machine to be supported by a single rail, and to be balanced, it may be supported by a pair of rails separated as may be required by the size of the looms or other textile machines that are to be cleaned. Also, the screen-cleaning feature may be used in machines of various constructions.

In the particular machine described in this application, I prefer the fixed screen to be utilized for filtering lint from the air flowing to the intake chamber of the pressure side of the machine. While I use the term fixed, I really mean that one screen is positioned in a particular position when the machine moves under a cleaning nozzle. This fixed screen may be very close to the ceiling of the room in which the looms are located, and a vacuum cleaner nozzle may be placed in close juxtaposed relation to the ceiling, or may be coextensive with the ceiling, for cleaning the screen as the screen passes under the nozzle. Also, it is well to note that this nozzle will naturally be located at one side of the longitudinal. axis of the machine so that the fixed screen will pass under it.

As has already been generally indicated, my machine utilizes a filter for cleaning and removing the lint from the lintladen air that is moved upwardly in the suction tubes connected to the suction duct, this air being moved by a suction blower preferably at one side of the machine. The suction chamber in which the suction filter or screen is positioned, is at one side of the machine opposite the fixed screen. Even though the suction chamber is at the top of the machine, because it is at the side opposite the position of the fixed screen, it will not interfere with the passing of the machine relatively to a nozzle of a vacuum cleaner utilized for cleaning the fixed screen. Further, since the suction chamber is always at the side opposite the vacuum cleaner nozzle, it can be almost in touching relation to the ceiling. Therefore, it is obvious that it is possible to maintain the machine in extremely close relation to the ceiling and utilizing a minimum of headroom.

As a particular feature of this portion of the invention, the screen within the suction chamber is movable transversely of the machine into a position aligned with the vacuum cleaner nozzle which in my preferred machine, is just over the fixed screen. Because the movable screen is preferably substantially the same in size as the fixed screen, when it is over the fixed screen, it is substantially coextensive with that screen and may readily be cleaned by the same vacuum cleaner which cleans the fixed screen. Also, because the fixed and movable screens are extremely thin, the two will lie in very close juxtaposed relation when the movable screen is over the fixed screen. Further, the vacuum cleaner nozzle will have a flexing lower outlining border which readily yields to the movement of the movablescreen thereunder and yet extends downwardly sufficiently for coaction with the fixed screen.

In my machine the suction chamber is always maintained closed during operation of the machine in order that suction may be effectively developed. As a particular feature of the invention, a part of the moving screen is adapted to bring about a full closing of the suction chamber as the screen moves back into the suction chamber after the screen has been cleaned by the vacuum nozzle. More particularly, a portion of the wall of the suction chamber is removed to allow the movement of the screen into and out of the suction chamber, and a wall or closure is preferably secured to one edge of the screen for closing the opening when the screen is moved into the suction chamber.

A further feature of the invention resides in the control of the blower means that are utilized for developing both suction and pressure. As I have already indicated, it is exceedingly important in a machine of the particular class that the cleaning be accomplished without slowing down the operation of the machine, and therefore, while the blower motors are functioning and. the blowers are moving air. In order to accomplish this, I have conceived the utilization of shutter means, preferably a sliding shutter plate, that in one position shuts off the movement of air between the two blowers and the remainder of the machine through the various ducts and tubes. Therefore, it is possible, while the blowers and motors are operating, to utilize the vacuum cleaner for cleaning the movable and stationary screens without in any way interfering with the motion of the blowers. The cleaning operation is completed in a very few moments and immediately thereafter the normal operation of the machine for removing lint is assumed.

As an extremely important part of the invention, I have conceived means for moving both the screens and the shutter mechanism without the utilization of complicated elements. Obviously, both the screen and the shutter could be actuated by motors that would be started at some point predetermined by the construction of the machine and the rail on which it travels. Thus, a switch mechanism for the said motors could be closed by physical contact when the machine moves into a certain position on its rail. Other means could be utilized, such as a current-carrying bus bar that would be contacted by a portion of the motor circuits for energizing the motor for the screen or the shutter motor upon the machine arriving at a particular position.

I prefer to utilize a very simple mechanical mechanism controlled by a solenoid. Thus, I apply to the screen a cable or the like that is actuated by a drive wheel. This drive wheel is normally held stationary and away from the rail on which the machine moves. Upon the excitation of a solenoid, the wheel is moved against the rail, and through friction is rotated by the rail. This frictional rotation of the wheel, actuates a cable for moving the screen. As a particular feature of the invention, the cable connecting the shutter with the wheel, is applied to the wheel in a radial position so that the cable will be wound and will actuate the shutter in the event the wheel rotates in one direction or in an opposed direction.

As a further feature of the invention, a similar mechanism is utilized also for actuating the shutter.

I have thus outlined rather broadly the more important features of my invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that my contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of my invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject of the claims appended hereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception on which my disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures for carrying out the several purposes of this invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent construction as do not depart from the spirit and scope of my invention, in order to prevent the appropriation of my invention by those skilled in the art.

Referring now to the drawings,

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the machine of my invention shown assembledon a single rail, and with its pressure and suction tubes extending downwardly vertically as has already been set forth generally. In this FIG. 1 there is also shown the outline of a vacuum cleaner nozzle under which the filter screens of the machine are moved for cleaning.

FIG. 2 is an end elevation of the machine of my invention looking toward the suction end thereof shown at the left of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a plan view looking downwardly on the machine, and in this figure there are shown the outlines of certain of the means for guiding the air positioned within the machine.

FIG. 4 is a side elevation of the machine showing its assembly to the simple I-beam rail track.

FIG. 5 is a partial plan view illustrating the outward movement of the movable screen from the suction chamber.

FIG. 6 is a generally diagrammatic view showing the movement of the machine relatively to a vacuum cleaner nozzle and the manipulation of the movable screen so that both the fixed screen and the movable screen may be cleaned by the nozzle of a single vacuum cleaner.

FIG. 7 is a section taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 5. v

FIG. 8 is a partial elevation showing particularly the apparatu's utilized for moving the movable screen.

FIG; 9 is a section showing the construction of one type of vacuum cleaner nozzle that may coact effectively with the fixed and movable screens of my invention.

FIG. 10 is a plan view illustrating the movable shutter of my machine through which I am able to shut off communication between the two blowers of the machine and the air guiding and screening apparatus.

FIG. 11 is a vertical elevation illustrating the parts of FIG. 10 and the mechanism for moving the shutter from an open to shut position.

FIG. 12 is a view taken along line 12-12 ofFIG. 11.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, and especially FIG. 1, reference numeral 10 indicates a rail on which my machine may be mounted by generally conventional means, one form of which will be illustrated and described rather briefly, as the mounting per se does not form a part of the invention to be claimed herein. The machine of my invention is referred to generally by reference letter M, and a brief viewing of FIG. 1 will indicate how extremely simple can be the casing in which the apparatus of my invention is housed.

Extending downwardly from casing M are a pair of pressure pipes or tubes 11 mounted at the forward end of the machine in order to apply pressure to a loom so as tocause lint or threads to be blown from the loom. At 121 illustrate a pair of vacuum or suction tubes extending downwardly from the rear end of the machine, these suction tubes being adapted to pick up lint or threads that have been blown from the looms by the pressure tubes 11. At 13, l illustrate a vacuum cleaner nozzle that may be part of any standard vacuum cleaner, and which is slightly extended from a ceiling, if that is desired, the construction of the nozzle being of such material that it will readily flex in order to accommodate itself to both the fixed screen of my invention and the movable screen. It will be noted in FIG. 1 that the fixed screen, designated there by reference numeral 14, is at one side of the central longitudinal axis of the machine, and also at one side of the track 10, and is in alignment with the vacuum nozzle 13, so that if the machine were to move from its position of FIG. 1 in the direction of the arrow 15 shown in FIG. 1, the screen 14 would ride under the vacuum cleaner nozzle 13 and would obviously be cleaned.

Shown also in FIG. 1, are conductors 16 applied to the side of the beam forming the track 10. These conductors will have certain insulating portions and certain conducting portions made available to rollers or sliding switch contacts in order to control and actuate the various electrical mechanisms of the machine. In this way, the electrical mechanisms may be actuated or made effective at predetermined positions of the machine on the track 10, all as will be understood by those skilled in the an.

Referring now more particularly to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, I shall describe briefly the means through which the machine M is mounted on the track It) and is propelled along that track. At one end of the machine, upper and lower bearings mount for rotation a shaft 21 to the upper end of which is secured a plate 22. On plate 22 there is supported a gear-reduction unit 23 and an electric motor 24, the motor driving through the gear reduction unit, an upper sprocket 25. This upper sprocket actuates a sprocket chain 26 which extends to and drives a lower sprocket 27. Sprocket 27 is secured to a shaft 28 that in turn carries thereon a traction wheel 29. The shaft 28 is itself supported in opposed vertical walls of a rather complex bracket that is integral with vertical shaft 21 and rotates therewith on bearings 20, this bracket being indicated generally by numeral II in FIG. 2.

Bracket BI carries a series of six guide rollers 30 which not only hold the bracket 31 relatively to the I-bearn track Ill, but also act to support and guide the front end of machine M relatively to the track III. In addition, the rollers 30 will act to follow the track Ill and to bring about rotary pivotal movement of the bracket 3I together with the shaft 2I to which it is secured as was set forth. It is now obvious that the traction motor 24 together with the reduction gear casing 23, the sprockets 25 and 27, and the traction wheel 29, all move together and swing together to follow I-beam track It). Tractive movement is contributed to the machine M by the traction wheel 29, chain 26, the sprockets 25 and 27, through the motor 24, all as will be apparent.

The rear end of the machine is equipped with a bracket 35 shown on FIG. 4 and similar in construction to the bracket 31. Bracket 35 is integral with a rotatable shaft 36 that is mounted exactly as is the shaft 21. This bracket 35 will support a wheel 37 through a shaft 38 in exactly the same manner as the wheel 29 is supported by the shaft 28. Thus, the wheel 37 is merely a trailing support wheel, and supports the rear end of the machine, following with wheel 29 the path that is determined by the shape of the I-beam It).

Referring now more particularly to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the motor for the pressure blower of my machine is designated by reference number 60 while the blower itself is indicated by reference number dill. The motor for the suction blower is designated by reference number 42 and the suction blower by reference number 43. A passage I5 connects the blower chamber with what l term a pressure chamber 46 that is covered by the fixed filter screen 14 earlier described with reference to FIG. I. Pressure blower 41 further communicates with a pressure duct 47 shown in outline in FIG. 3. It is from each end of this pressure duct 47 that a pressure tube 11 depends, the pressure tubes having first been set forth with reference to FIG. I. I am describing very generally the air paths as they may be varied quite radically and per se are not important elements of my invention.

Referring again to FIG. 2, suction blower d3 communicates through a passage $6 with what I term a suction chamber having lower and upper portions 49, 49a. The lower portion 49 is covered by a filter screen 50, the screen 50 being the movable screen which 1 have already described generally, and which I have indicated is an important contribution of my invention. Suction tubes 12, already also described generally with reference to FIG. I, extend downwardly from the machine from what I term a suction duct 5ll best illustrated in FIG. 3, this suction duct leading to the upper half 49a of the suction chamber. The blower d3 communicates also with a passageway 52 that is in turn in communication with an exhaust opening 53.

It will be well now to summarize just how the air is moved by the suction blower 43. Air containing lint will be accepted by the tubes I2 and will move upwardly through the duct work into chamber 69a above the filter 50 and then downwardly through the filter screen 50 into the lower portion 49 of the suction chamber. The cleaned air will now flow through a passage I8, past the blower 43 and through the passage 52 and the outlet 53 to the atmosphere. It will be appreciated further,

that the movement of the air outwardly of the opening 53 will be helpful in loosening any lint that may have been applied to the ceiling and which lint will probably be removed by suction tubes I2.

As I earlier outlined, I have found it quite desirable, during the cleaning of the stationary or fixed filter screen I6 and the movable filter screen 50, to shut off communication between the blowers 411 and 43 and the remainder of the machine. This is accomplished through effective utilization of the two passages 45 and 68 that were described particularly with regard to FIG. 2. These passages are also well illustrated in FIG. I0 and in FIG. ill to which reference should now be made. Mounted for sliding movement relatively to the passages 65 and d8 is what I term a shutter 5S, suitably guided by guide strips 56 for sliding movement relatively to the openings AIS and I8. This shutter is formed with an opening 57 normally aligned with the opening 45 and an opening 58 normally aligned with the opening 48. Obviously, by moving the shutter from its position of FIG. It) where the openings 57 and 58 are aligned with the openings 45 and 48, the shutter will function to close the openings, so that there will no longer be communication between the blowers and the remainder of the machine.

Normally, the shutter 55 is held in its open position of FIGS. I0 and II by a self-winding coil spring 57 suitably mounted on the machine and attached to the shutter at 58. For moving the shutter to the right into a position for effectively shutting the openings d5 and 48, I utilize a cable 59 fastened to the shutter at 60, and extending horizontally over a guide pulley 61 mounted on the machine frame. Cable 59 extends then over an angularly positioned guide wheel 62, and downwardly through a guide tube 63 as is best illustrated in FIG. I2. From the lower flared opening of the tube 63 the cable is secured at 64 to a pulley 65 that is in frictional engagement with a pair of frictional drive wheels 66 best seen in FIG. II. The pulley 65 and the frictional drive wheels 66 are all mounted on a shaft 67 that is in turn mounted on a lever 68 pivoted at 69 to the frame of the machine.

A spring 69a is secured at one end to the lever 68 and at the other end, not shown, to the machine frame, and normally tends to rotate the lever 68 about its pivot 69 so as to bring the two friction wheels 66 away from the upper surface of the rail I0. Upon excitation of the solenoid 70, the lever 66 will be rotated against the force of the spring 69a and will bring the two frictional drive wheels 66 against the upper surface of the rail 10, as is well illustrated in both FIGS. II and I2. Obviously, in this position of the'drive wheels 66, movement of the machine along the track III will bring about a rotation of the wheels 66, which through frictional engagement will drive the pulley 65 and move the cable 59 endwise. Furthermore, because cable 59 is secured radially to pulley 65, as seen in dotted lines in FIG. 12, cable 59 will then be moved endwise, regardless of the direction of rotation of the drive wheels 66, so that the movement of the shutter can be brought about at any time by movement of the machine M in either of opposed directions, merely through the excitation of the solenoid ill. In the full line position of the cable in FIG. I2, it has already been pulled, as will be understood.

I do not show just how the solenoid 70 is actuated, but its electrical circuit may obviously be closed either through one of the buslines 16 shown in FIG. III, or by a conventional switching mechanism to be closed at any time the machine moves into a particular position relatively to the track Id. In any event, it will now appear rather clearly that when the solenoid 70 is energized to force the wheels 66 against the rail It), the cable 59 will be moved linearly and through its guidance by the pulleys 62 and M, it will pull the shutter to the right in FIG. It to close the openings M and 48. Obviously also, whenever the solenoid 7t) is not excited, the spring 69a will pull the wheels 66 away from the track Ill, and then the spring 57 will function effectively to bring the shutter back to its open normal position of FIGS. I0 and II.

The movable screen 50, as I have already described generally, is adapted for movement outwardly from its position within the suction chamber 49, 49a. This movement will bring it into superimposed relation relatively to the fixed screen 14, so that it can then move with the machine on track 10 relatively to the vacuum cleaner nozzle 13 so that the screen 50 may be cleaned as effectively as is screen 14. In FIG. the movable screen 50 is shown partially outward of the suction chamber and therefore partially superimposed over the screen 14. Referring to FIG. 7, the screen 14 is shown, as is also the movable screen 50. In this figure, the guide channels 75 for guiding the movement of the screen 50 are also shown. Obviously, the screen may be mounted in various ways for sliding motion relatively to the machine and screen 14, as those skilled in the art will appreciate.

For contributing sliding movement to the movable screen 50, I prefer to utilize means similar to the means for moving the shutter 55. Thus, a cable 76 is secured at 77 to the screen 50 as seen in FIG. 5, and then extends over a pulley 78 and then downwardly through a guide tube 79 as shown in FIG. 8. The end of the cable emerging from the flared downward end of the tube 79 is secured at 80 to a pulley 81, that is the same in construction as the pulley 65 described in connection with the means for actuating the shutter. Cable 76 is shown in dotted lines secured radially to pulley 81. In solid lines the cable is shown after it has been pulled by rotation of pulley 81. This relationship of the parts makes possible a pull on cable 76, regardless of the direction of movement of the machine. Pulley 81 is rotated by a pair of friction drive wheels 82 similar to the friction wheels 66, all upon actuation of a suitable solenoid 83 that functions exactly as does the solenoid 70. By exciting the solenoid 83 through the use of suitable bus bars, switches, etc., the screen 50 may be caused to move outwardly of its suction chamber whenever it is desired to clean the screen.

For normally maintaining the screen within the suction chamber I utilize a spring 85 thatis exactly the same in construction as the spring 57 described in connection with the shutter 55. This spring 85 is secured to the screen as illustrated generally in FIG. 5 and functions in a standard manner.

As earlier outlined, while I attach considerable importance to the particular mechanism that I have developed for moving both the shutter and the movable screen, it is obvious that the shutter and the screen may be actuated by various other means. In other words, I consider my invention as having considerable breadth and residing in the basic concept of the movable shutter as one feature, the movable screen as another feature, together with their combination, all as will probably now be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

It is exceedingly important that when the movable screen 50 is within the suction chamber 49, 49a, the suction chamber is closed. For the particular purpose, one end of the screen 50 has secured thereto a plate or wall 90, this wall normally closing the chamber 49, 49a when screen 50 is in its filtering position. Wall 90 moves with the screen from the position of FIGS. 2 and 4, to a position illustrated in one of the parts of FIG. 6 when it is to be cleaned. In any event, it is clear that when the screen 50 is within the suction chamber it effectively seals that chamber and closes it, so that the suction blower 43 may function effectively to bring in the lint-laden air through the tubes 12. Naturally, other means may be utilized, but the construction I have described is very effective and very inexpensive to construct and operate.

The method by which both the fixed and movable screens of my invention may be cleaned, will probably best be understood upon a further study of FIG. 6. In FIG. 6, the suction or vacuum nozzle 13 is well shown in its relation to the track 10 and the machine M. At the top of FIG. 6 the screen 14 is well illustrated exposed to the atmosphere so that it may be contacted by the nozzle 13 for the cleaning of the screen. The construction of the nozzle is well illustrated also in FIG. 9 where the fixed screen 14 is shown contacted by the nozzle, the nozzle being made partially of a flexing rubberized cloth or other flexing material so that it will adapt itself well to the screen 14 and will clean that screen effectively. In the top portion of FIG. 6 the movable screen 50 is shown also, the upper surface of the machine M having been cut away at C for that purpose. The plate or wall fixed to screen 50 and covering a suction chamber opening is also shown in solid lines in its normal position when the movable screen 50 is within the suction chamber 49, 49a.

The machine M now moves in the direction of the arrow 91 along the track 10 so as to bring the fixed screen 14 under the nozzle 13 where it is effectively cleaned. Thereafter, the machine moves to its position at the bottom of FIG. 6. It will be noted that in this position of the machine, the screen 50 has been moved to the solid-line position illustrated, with the wall 90 just beyond the fixed screen 14. This movement of screen 50 takes place through the mechanism shown in FIG. 8. At the same time, shutter 55 has been moved by the means shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 to shut openings 45 and 48.

It is now possible to reverse the direction of movement of the machine M in accordance with arrow 92. Now, the movable screen 50 will move under the nozzle 13. of the vacuum cleaner, this movement being possible because the wall 90 is beyond the nozzle 13 and therefore may bypass nozzle 13. While the screen 50 will be somewhat above the screen 14 a seen in FIG. 7, the flexing construction of the nozzle 13 will make it possible for that nozzle to adapt itself to the cleaning of the screen 50 as effectively as screen 14.

As those skilled in the art will appreciate, it is quite easy to program the movement of the machine M through suitable bus bars, contacts and switches, so that it will automatically move as described with reference to FIG. 6, and so that the screen and shutter operating mechanisms will function in proper relation. As a matter of interest, the machine can function quite well while moving continuously in a fixed path. In one pass through the path one screen will be cleaned. In the next pass the other screen will be cleaned. This demonstrates the adaptability of my invention. I believe that the construction, operation, and functioning of the machine will now be quite apparent to those skilled in the art, as will be the very considerable contributions of my invention.

I now claim:

1. In a combination of the class described, a traversing machine having an intake chamber for a pressure-blower means, and a suction chamber for a suction-blower means, a first screen for one of said chambers positioned on said machine for movingwith said machine relatively to a vacuum cleaner nozzle for the cleaning of the said screen by said vacuum cleaner as said machine moves past 'said nozzle, a second screen for said other chamber, means for moving said second screen relatively to said machine into a position for cleaning also by said nozzle, said intake chamber and first screen being at one side of a linear path traversed by said machine, said suction chamber and said second screen being at the opposite side of said linear path, and movement of said second screen is transverse to said path so that both screens may be cleaned by one vacuum nozzle positioned relatively to said path for coaction with said first screen as said machine moves in said path.

2. In the combination of claim 1, the feature that the first screen is fixed and the second screen slides over said first screen into coextensive juxtaposition thereto for cleaning by said nozzle, said first screen being exposed to the atmosphere at the top of said pressure chamber and said secondscreen being within said suction chamber and moved outwardly thereof for cleaning.

3. In the combination of claim 1, the feature that said blower means are in the fonn of a separate motor-operated blower for each chamber.

4. In the combination of claim 1, the feature that there are shutter means for closing communication between said chambers and said blower means when said screens are being cleaned.

5. In the combination of claim 1, the feature that said pressure-blower means is in communication with-a pressure duct positioned transversely of said machine at one end thereof separate motor-operated fan with one fan at each side of the linear path, whereby said motors, said fans and said ducts and tubes are balanced relatively to said linear path whereby to facilitate the mounting of the machine for movement on a single rail.

7. In the combination of claim 5, the feature that shutter means are positioned to shut off communication between said blower means and tubes when said screens are being cleaned.

8. In a machine of the class described mounted for movement on a rail or the like in a fixed path and having a screen adapted for exposure to a vacuum cleaner for cleaning said screen, means positioning said screen relatively to said path so that when said screen and machine move in said path said screen will be at one side relatively to said vacuum cleaner whereby not to be exposed to the action of said cleaner, the improvement that comprises means mounting said screen for linear movement relatively to said machine into a position for exposure to said cleaner, and means for moving said screen on said mounting means.

9. In the combination of claim b, the feature that said means for moving said screen comprise a friction drive wheel, a friction drive wheel mounting device movably mounted on said machine, means mounting said wheel for rotation on said device, means for moving said device to bring the periphery of 3 5 the wheel into and out of contact with a stationary surface in said path, said wheel rotating on its mounting when brought into contact with said stationary surface, and means between said screen and wheel whereby rotation of said wheel moves said screen.

10. In the combination of claim 9, the feature that said screen is connected to said drive wheel by a cable.

11. In the combination of claim It), the feature that said cable is so secured relatively to said wheel that rotation of said wheel in either of opposite directions will exert pull on said cable.

12. In the combination of claim 9, the feature that said wheel-mounting-device is an arm, and a solenoid for moving the arm to bring the drive wheel against the stationary surface upon excitation thereof.

13. In the combination of claim I2, the feature that said solenoid is excited upon the movement of the machine into a particular position in said path.

M. In the combination of claim 8, the feature that said machine has a fixed screen positioned relatively to said mounting means so that it is just under said movable screen when said movable screen has been moved to expose it to said cleaner, and the reverse movement of said movable screen to said one side of said path exposing said fixed screen to said cleaner.

115. In the combination of the class described a traversing machine having an intake chamber for a pressure-blower means, a suction chamber for a suction-blower means, a first screen for one of said chambers positioned on said machine for moving with said machine relatively to a vacuum cleaner nozzle for the cleaning of the said screen by said vacuum cleaner as said machine moves past said nozzle, said machine being mounted on a rail and provided with means for moving said machine on said rail in a linear path in which is aligned the longitudinal axis of the machine, said pressure-blower means being a fan mounted on said machine at one side of the rail while said suction means is a fan mounted on said machine at the other side of the rail, said first screen being fixed on said machine and exposed to the atmosphere at the top of the machine at one side of the rail, sald second screen being mounted for sliding motion transversely of the machine from a position over said first screen to a position within said suction chamber, said suction chamber being at the top of the machine and enclosing said second screen when said second screen is in said chamber, shutter means for closing communication between said fans and said chambers, means actuated incidental to movement of said machine relatively to said rail for imparting movement to said shutter means, a duct positioned on said machine transversely thereof at each end, one duct communicating with one fan and the other duct with the other fan, and a vertical tube extending downwardly from each end of each duct whereby one of said tubes at each side of the machine is a pressure tube and the other is a suction tube.

1 v UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent Noa 3,601, 840 Dated 8/31/71 Inventor(s) George Pipes It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below: In.

In the Abstract:

In the Abstract:

C01. 8, line 22 Please delete in line 5:---

of the machine collects the lint as it is moved through the chamber--- as it is a repeat.

Line 15, "it" should read--- in---.

After 14 "a" should read--- as--.

Signed and sealed this 25th day of January 1972.

QEEAL) fittest:

EDWARD M. FLETCHER,JR. Jflttesting Officer ROBERT GOTTSCHALK Commissioner of Patents 

1. In a combination of the class described, a traversing machine having an intake chamber for a pressure-blower means, and a suction chamber for a suction-blower means, a first screen for one of said chambers positioned on said machine for moving with said machine relatively to a vacuum cleaner nozzle for the cleaning of the said screen by said vacuum cleaner as said machine moves past said nozzle, a second screen for said other chamber, means for moving said second screen relatively to said machine into a position for cleaning also by said nozzle, said intake chamber and first screen being at one side of a linear path traversed by said machine, said suction chamber and said second screen being at the opposite side of said linear path, and movement of said second screen is transverse to said path so that both screens may be cleaned by one vacuum nozzle positioned relatively to said path for coaction with said first screen as said machine moves in said path.
 2. In the combination of claim 1, the feature that the first screen is fixed and the second screen slides over said first screen into coextensive juxtaposition thereto for cleaning by said nozzle, said first screen being exposed to the atmosphere at the top of said pressure chamber and said second screen being within said suction chamber and moved outwardly thereof for cleaning.
 3. In the combination of claim 1, the feature that said blower means are in the form of a separate motor-operated blower for each chamber.
 4. In the combination of claim 1, the feature that there are shutter means for closing communication between said chambers and said blower means when said screens are being cleaned.
 5. In the combination of claim 1, the feature that said pressure-blower means is in communication with a pressure duct positioned transversely of said machine at one end thereof tRansverse to the said linear path while said suction chamber is in communication with a suction duct positioned transversely of the machine at the other end thereof, and also transverse to said linear path, a pair of vertically aligned pressure tubes, one tube in communication with one end of said pressure duct and the other in communication with the other end of said pressure duct, and a pair of vertically aligned suction tubes similarly communicating with said suction duct.
 6. In the combination of claim 5, the feature that said pressure-blower means and said suction-blower means are each a separate motor-operated fan with one fan at each side of the linear path, whereby said motors, said fans and said ducts and tubes are balanced relatively to said linear path whereby to facilitate the mounting of the machine for movement on a single rail.
 7. In the combination of claim 5, the feature that shutter means are positioned to shut off communication between said blower means and tubes when said screens are being cleaned.
 8. In a machine of the class described mounted for movement on a rail or the like in a fixed path and having a screen adapted for exposure to a vacuum cleaner for cleaning said screen, means positioning said screen relatively to said path so that when said screen and machine move in said path said screen will be at one side relatively to said vacuum cleaner whereby not to be exposed to the action of said cleaner, the improvement that comprises means mounting said screen for linear movement relatively to said machine into a position for exposure to said cleaner, and means for moving said screen on said mounting means.
 9. In the combination of claim 8, the feature that said means for moving said screen comprise a friction drive wheel, a friction drive wheel mounting device movably mounted on said machine, means mounting said wheel for rotation on said device, means for moving said device to bring the periphery of the wheel into and out of contact with a stationary surface in said path, said wheel rotating on its mounting when brought into contact with said stationary surface, and means between said screen and wheel whereby rotation of said wheel moves said screen.
 10. In the combination of claim 9, the feature that said screen is connected to said drive wheel by a cable.
 11. In the combination of claim 10, the feature that said cable is so secured relatively to said wheel that rotation of said wheel in either of opposite directions will exert pull on said cable.
 12. In the combination of claim 9, the feature that said wheel-mounting-device is an arm, and a solenoid for moving the arm to bring the drive wheel against the stationary surface upon excitation thereof.
 13. In the combination of claim 12, the feature that said solenoid is excited upon the movement of the machine into a particular position in said path.
 14. In the combination of claim 8, the feature that said machine has a fixed screen positioned relatively to said mounting means so that it is just under said movable screen when said movable screen has been moved to expose it to said cleaner, and the reverse movement of said movable screen to said one side of said path exposing said fixed screen to said cleaner.
 15. In the combination of the class described , a traversing machine having an intake chamber for a pressure-blower means, a suction chamber for a suction-blower means, a first screen for one of said chambers positioned on said machine for moving with said machine relatively to a vacuum cleaner nozzle for the cleaning of the said screen by said vacuum cleaner as said machine moves past said nozzle, said machine being mounted on a rail and provided with means for moving said machine on said rail in a linear path in which is aligned the longitudinal axis of the machine, said pressure-blower means being a fan mounted on said machine at one side of the rail while said suction means is a fan mounted on said machine at the other side of the rail, said first sCreen being fixed on said machine and exposed to the atmosphere at the top of the machine at one side of the rail, said second screen being mounted for sliding motion transversely of the machine from a position over said first screen to a position within said suction chamber, said suction chamber being at the top of the machine and enclosing said second screen when said second screen is in said chamber, shutter means for closing communication between said fans and said chambers, means actuated incidental to movement of said machine relatively to said rail for imparting movement to said shutter means, a duct positioned on said machine transversely thereof at each end, one duct communicating with one fan and the other duct with the other fan, and a vertical tube extending downwardly from each end of each duct whereby one of said tubes at each side of the machine is a pressure tube and the other is a suction tube. 